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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by LynMaire on February 10, 2001, at 20:47:01
My 17 yr. old daughter and I have both been dx ADHD(her)/ADD(me)and on Ritalin for many years. We've both done very well on Ritalin but wanted something that lasted longer.
Last week she changed from Ritalin to Concerta, and I changed from Ritalin to Adderall. Question #1: Is there a formula to determine the correct dose when changing to these meds.?
My daughter's Ritalin dose had been 20mg., 3xday. The Dr. put her on 36mg of Concerta taken once a day, but my daughter felt it wasn't as effective in helping her concentrate in class so the dosage was upped to 54mg. She feels the 54mg. Concerta gives her about the same level of concentration.
The Dr. told me that the 36mg Concerta was the equivalent of the dose she'd been taking (60mg) of Ritalin. I'm wondering if he's wrong about the dosing equivalent, especially since this is a relatively new medication. Question #2: Does anyone here know how to calculate the dosage change from Ritalin to Concerta?
I changed from Ritalin: 10mg.,3xday, to Adderall: 10mg.,2xday. Yesterday I took the first Adderall and it felt like WAY too much. Today I took 1/2 (5mg.)and it was okay, but I'm not sure I like it as much as the Ritalin...I was irritable/nervous when it first kicked in. Question #3: Will that change after I've taken it for a while?
Also, my Dr. set the Adderall doses 8 hrs. apart, but from what I've researched, most people are finding it wears off within 4-5 hours. Question #4: Can anyone give me some specific dose/times that they find are best?
Thanks....LynMaire
Posted by MarkinBoston on February 10, 2001, at 22:35:59
In reply to How to compare dose of Ritalin w/Concerta,Adderall, posted by LynMaire on February 10, 2001, at 20:47:01
I think the max therapetic dose for Ritalin is 60mg/day and Concerta is 54mg/day, so take that as a conversion ratio! The one pill is a more level delivery of methyphentidate instead of the peaks and valleys from 3, so a little less is needed.
> I changed from Ritalin: 10mg.,3xday, to Adderall: 10mg.,2xday. Yesterday I took the first Adderall and it felt like WAY too much. Today I took 1/2 (5mg.)and it was okay, but I'm not sure I like it as much as the Ritalin...I was irritable/nervous when it first kicked in. Question #3: Will that change after I've taken it for a while?Adderall is stronger. My side effects decreased over time.
> Also, my Dr. set the Adderall doses 8 hrs. apart, but from what I've researched, most people are finding it wears off within 4-5 hours. Question #4: Can anyone give me some specific dose/times that they find are best?
I take 20mg of Adderall when I get out of bed. I sometimes take a second 6-8 hours later. One is enough for me to have good function during the day and good enough at night.
>
> Thanks....LynMaire
Posted by Sulpicia on February 11, 2001, at 17:38:25
In reply to How to compare dose of Ritalin w/Concerta,Adderall, posted by LynMaire on February 10, 2001, at 20:47:01
> My 17 yr. old daughter and I have both been dx ADHD(her)/ADD(me)and on Ritalin for many years. We've both done very well on Ritalin but wanted something that lasted longer.
>
> Last week she changed from Ritalin to Concerta, and I changed from Ritalin to Adderall. Question #1: Is there a formula to determine the correct dose when changing to these meds.?
>
> My daughter's Ritalin dose had been 20mg., 3xday. The Dr. put her on 36mg of Concerta taken once a day, but my daughter felt it wasn't as effective in helping her concentrate in class so the dosage was upped to 54mg. She feels the 54mg. Concerta gives her about the same level of concentration.
>
> The Dr. told me that the 36mg Concerta was the equivalent of the dose she'd been taking (60mg) of Ritalin. I'm wondering if he's wrong about the dosing equivalent, especially since this is a relatively new medication. Question #2: Does anyone here know how to calculate the dosage change from Ritalin to Concerta?
>
Mark is correct and the doc mistaken -- the studies on concerta were done on children [6-12 if I remember correctly] so the prescribing info he has is probably inapplicable. Your daughter is familiar with the med and her satisfaction w/54mgs should be the guide.> I changed from Ritalin: 10mg.,3xday, to Adderall: 10mg.,2xday. Yesterday I took the first Adderall and it felt like WAY too much. Today I took 1/2 (5mg.)and it was okay, but I'm not sure I like it as much as the Ritalin...I was irritable/nervous when it first kicked in. Question #3: Will that change after I've taken it for a while?
>
Try taking the adderall after eating something. In my experience the sensations associated with the drug's initial burst into your system do go away.
> Also, my Dr. set the Adderall doses 8 hrs. apart, but from what I've researched, most people are finding it wears off within 4-5 hours. Question #4: Can anyone give me some specific dose/times that they find are best?
>
20mgs in AM, 10mgs after lunch, 10mgs between 5 and 7 PM -- keep in mind that I'm a grad student. Reading/researching 10-12 hours a day is a necessity.
Duration of efficacy is variable; some folks report as little as 3 hours, 4-6 is about average; 8 I think is the drug manufacturer's sales pitch.
Don't take it with grapefruit juice. The bioflavonids destroy/reduce the med. FYI, it took about 2 months to get my dosage correct. Hang in and it will get better. Have you ever looked at the ADD forum at About.com? Lots of info on meds on the home page and a very good forum, heavy on ADDults.Good luck.
> Thanks....LynMaire
This is the end of the thread.
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